Multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for multi-segment mid-weighted trekking poles are provided. A typical three-segment trekking (or other) pole may have a light-weight middle segment replaced, for example, with one or more weighted segments designed to mate with the original upper and lower segments thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/439,457 filed on Dec. 27, 2016 and titled “Adjustable weight middle and bottom replacement segments for three-segment carbon-fiber trekking poles”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Various types of hand-held canes, staffs, sticks, and poles are utilized for various purposes. While their usage dates back millennia, modern usages are typical in various sports and activities such as skiing, walking, and hiking (or trekking). As many of these activities are centered on physical fitness, there have been a wide variety of efforts to increase the effectiveness of hand-held poles as workout tools by adding weights thereto.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,435 to Wilkinson, for example, weighted portions are added to either the bottom or handle of an adjustable-length exercise/sport pole to increase arm exercise functionality thereof. Similarly, in British Patent Application No. GB2490168A to Robinson, donut or disk-shaped weights are mounted to the bottom or top of an adjustable-length Nordic walking pole to achieve the same benefit. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,312 to McClendon, interior weights (steel balls) are similarly added to top or bottom portions of a multi-segment walking stick, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0145881 to Harroun weights are added to the bottom (interior) of an adjustable height therapeutic cane, and in U.S. Pat. No. 8,500,609 to Williams an attachable weight assembly for a pole is disclosed.

These and other attempts at providing weighted poles, while offering certain advantages, suffer from various deficiencies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An understanding of embodiments described herein and many of the attendant advantages thereof may be readily obtained by reference to the following detailed description when considered with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a left-front perspective view of a prior art multi-segment trekking pole;

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are left-front perspective and front assembly views of a multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are left-front perspective and front assembly views of a multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Introduction

Embodiments presented herein are descriptive of systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for multi-segment mid-weighted trekking poles (and/or portions thereof). In some embodiments, a typical three-segment adjustable trekking pole may be provided with one or more replacement middle sections. According to some embodiments, upper and lower portions of a standard three-segment trekking pole may be coupled to a set of replacement sections such as a weighted section and an adapter section. In such a manner, for example, standard three-segment trekking (or other) poles may be quickly and easily adapted to add mid-mounted weight that enhances the workout functionality of the poles.

Typical multi-segment, adjustable length trekking poles are designed to be light-weight and offer ground-engaging stability, particularly in trail hiking or off-road uses. They also offer some physical fitness benefits be promoting arm and upper-body movement that, e.g., may be lacking in standard walking or other lower-body engaging exercise activities. Previous attempts at adding weight to enhance the upper-body workout benefits of utilizing such poles have offered some advantages but remain deficient.

Most previous attempts, for example, have focused on adding weight to the handles or bottoms of poles, canes, and sticks. Adding weight in these locations (top and/or bottom) does increase the weight of the poles and accordingly offers some enhanced physical fitness advantage. Bottom-weighted poles are harder to lift than standard poles, but are quite easily moved forward due to the lengthy distance from the center of rotation (at or near a user's hand or wrist), and accordingly provide little or no benefit to muscles other than the user's biceps. Bottom-weighted poles are also, however, more difficult to manage due to the moment of inertia encountered once the poles (and the bottom-weights in particular) are set into motion (e.g., particular during turns due to “over-swing” caused by the bottom-centered momentum), and are accordingly more likely to result in injury than standard pole usage. Users are likely, for example, to encounter strikes between the bottom-weights and the user's ankles and/or are likely to strain their wrist trying to control the bottom-centered momentum or “over-swing”, each of which may result in injury.

Top or handle-weighted poles (which appear to be the most common of the previous attempts), much like free hand-held weights, are likely to strain a user's wrist due to the necessary effort to propel the weights forward and are accordingly more likely to result in injury than standard pole usage. Handle-weights, due to their high elevation of placement may also cause head or upper-body injuries if not handled properly, such as when a user falls down, whereas mid-mounted weights would, in such an event be more likely to impact (if anywhere) the well-muscled thigh area (which is less likely to cause injury). The previous top and bottom weighted pole attempts have also predominantly required specially-manufactured poles adapted to the specific weight-addition mechanisms provided in the respective attempts, making such attempts less commercially viable and ultimately, less desirable for the end-user.

Embodiments for multi-segment mid-weighted trekking poles presented herein solve these and other deficiencies of previous weighted pole designs. Embodiments herein provide for mid-mounted or mid-weighted poles, for example, that place less strain on a user's wrist because as one is moving forward and lifting the pole up after each pole plant, the pole moves forward on its own with a pendulum effect the correct distance for each stride and so requires no additional wrist effort to either force the pole to swing farther as is the case with top-weighted poles or to limit the “over-swing” as is the case with bottom-weighted poles. The middle of the pole is the “sweet spot” for adding weight. Embodiments herein provide for mid-mounted or mid-weighted poles further provide for enhanced exercise of multiple upper body muscle groups (e.g., requiring a combination of lifting and pushing force) in addition to the lower body muscle groups. The integral multi-segment design of some embodiments further enhances the practicality of the mid-weighted poles by reducing manufacturing costs and allowing for compatibility of accessories and parts available from standard three-segment trekking pole manufactures and retailers. These and other attendant advantages are readily perceived in light of the detailed description of the embodiments presented herein.

II. Typical Three-Segment Trekking Pole

Turning initially to FIG. 1, a left-front perspective view of a prior art multi-segment trekking pole 100 is shown. The standard trekking pole 100 may, for example, comprise a handle segment 110 comprising an upper shaft 112 and an upper locking mechanism 118. The handle segment 110 often comprises a handle 120 disposed at a first or upper end of the upper shaft 112 and may include a wrist strap 122, e.g., attached to the handle 120. In the case that the multi-segment trekking pole 100 comprises a three-segment pole, it may comprise a center or middle segment 130. The middle segment 130 may, for example, couple to the handle segment 110 via the upper locking mechanism 118. The middle segment 130 may comprise a middle shaft 132, for example, that engages with the handle segment 110. A first or upper end or portion of the middle shaft 132 and/or the middle segment 130 may, for example, mate with the handle segment 110 and/or the upper locking mechanism 118. In some cases, the middle segment 130 may have an outer diameter (e.g., “male” portion) that is smaller than an inner diameter (e.g., “female” portion) of the handle segment 110 and may nest within the handle segment 110. In such cases, the upper locking mechanism 118 may be selectively engaged to lock the middle segment 130 at whatever extent of insertion into the handle segment 110 it is currently situated in. In such a manner, the pole 100 may be extendible and/or collapsible.

In some cases, the middle segment 130 may comprise a lower locking mechanism 138 and/or may be marked (e.g., along the middle shaft 132) with a plurality of measurement indicators 140. The lower locking mechanism 138 may accept and/or couple to a lower segment 170. The lower segment 170 may comprise a lower shaft 172, for example, that engages with the middle segment 130. A first or upper end or portion of the lower shaft 172 and/or the lower segment 170 may, for example, mate with the middle segment 130 and/or the lower locking mechanism 138. In some cases, the lower segment 170 may have an outer diameter (e.g., “male” portion) that is smaller than an inner diameter (e.g., “female” portion) of the middle segment 130 and may nest within the middle segment 130. In such cases, the lower locking mechanism 138 may be selectively engaged to lock the lower segment 170 at whatever extent of insertion into the middle segment 130 it is currently situated in. In such a manner, the pole 100 may be extendible and/or collapsible such that each “male” shaft 172, 132 may nest within each respective “female” shaft 132, 112, such as to allow for easy transport of the pole 100.

The measurement indicators 140 may generally allow a user to readily perceive how far into the “female” handle” segment 110 the middle shaft 132 (and/or middle segment 130) is inserted, such as to easily identify and replicate a desired extension distance subsequent to the pole 100 being collapsed, e.g., for travel. In some cases, the measurement indicators 140 may allow the user to readily perceive a currently-selected length of the pole 100, such as per desired exercise and/or other guidelines or requirements. In some cases, the lower segment 170 and/or the lower shaft 172 may comprise one or more ground-engaging elements 176 a-b. Trekking and ski pole typically comprise, for example, a pointed tip 176 a such as a tungsten carbide tip for embedding within engaged ground to promote traction and stability. In some cases, such as either for travel protection or for engagement of hard surfaces such as roads and sidewalks, the lower segment 170 and/or the lower shaft 172 may comprise a foot or tip protector 176 b. The pointed tip 176 a may generally, for example, removably couple to the tip protector 176 b via an interference fit, as desired. In some cases, the lower segment 170 and/or the lower shaft 172 may comprise a “basket” 178. The basket 178 may, for example, reduce penetration into and/or provide greater traction or stability in soft ground media such as sand and snow. In some cases, the handle 120, the wrist strap 122, the ground-engaging elements 176 a-b, and/or the basket 178 may be removable and/or interchangeable with different versions of accessories, e.g., available from the manufacturer of the pole 100. The various shafts 112, 132, 172 of the pole 100 may generally be constructed of aluminum or carbon-fiber (e.g., carbon-composite) to provide for a light-weight pole 100 while maintaining structural sturdiness.

III. Multi-Segment Mid-Weighted Trekking Pole

Referring now to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, left-front perspective and front assembly views of a multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 200 according to some embodiments are shown. In some embodiments, the trekking pole 200 may comprise a first, upper, or handle segment 210. The handle segment 210 may comprise, for example a first or upper shaft 212 such as a hollow carbon-fiber or aluminum tube. The upper shaft 212 may, for example, define an interior passage 214 extending lengthwise or axially within the upper shaft 212 and/or handle portion 210. According to some embodiments, a first or bottom end of the upper shaft 212 and/or the handle portion 210 may define and/or comprise a first or upper opening 216 (e.g., a first “female” opening) into the interior passage 214. In some embodiments, a first or upper locking mechanism 218 may be coupled to the upper shaft 212 at or adjacent to the upper opening 216. The upper locking mechanism 218 may, for example, be operable to be selectively engaged to compress and/or otherwise secure or fix the bottom end and/or the upper opening 216. According to some embodiments, the upper shaft 212 and/or the handle portion 210 may comprise, at a second or top end thereof, a handle 220 and/or a wrist strap 222. The handle 220 may comprise, for example, a molded, formed, and/or shaped element made of various desirable handle materials such as rubber, wood (e.g., cork), foam, etc. The wrist strap 222 may comprise a strip of rubber, fabric, cloth, and/or a lanyard coupled to the handle 220 and/or forming a loop via which, e.g., a user (not shown) may engage their wrist while holding the handle 220.

According to some embodiments, the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 200 may comprise a middle portion 230. In some embodiments, as depicted, the middle portion 230 may differ from a typical middle portion of a three-segment trekking pole (e.g., the pole 100 of FIG. 1 herein) by comprising a plurality of segments and/or weights. The middle portion 230 may comprise, for example, a first, lower, or “female” middle shaft 242 that defines an interior passage 244 extending lengthwise or axially within the female middle shaft 242. In some embodiments, the female middle shaft 242 may be constructed of aluminum or carbon-fiber and/or may be approximately twenty-two inches (22″) or fifty-five and eighty-eight hundredths centimeters (55.88 cm) in length. According to some embodiments, a first or top end of the female middle shaft 242 may define and/or comprise a first or upper-middle opening 246 a (e.g., a first “female” opening) into the interior passage 244. In some embodiments, a second or bottom end of the female middle shaft 242 may define and/or comprise a second or lower-middle opening 246 b (e.g., a second “female” opening) into the interior passage 244. According to some embodiments, a first or upper-middle locking mechanism 248 a may be coupled to the female middle shaft 242 at or adjacent to the upper-middle opening 246 a and/or a second or lower-middle locking mechanism 248 b may be coupled to the female middle shaft 242 at or adjacent to the lower-middle opening 246 b. The locking mechanisms 248 a-b may, for example, be operable to be selectively engaged to compress and/or otherwise secure or fix the respective ends and/or the openings 246 a-b.

In some embodiments, the middle portion 230 may comprise, a second, upper, or “male” middle shaft 252. The male middle shaft 252 may, for example, comprise a solid stainless steel rod comprising a first or upper-middle “male” end 254 and a second or lower-middle “male” end 256. In some embodiments, the male middle shaft 252 may comprise, define, and/or be coupled to a radial projection 258. The radial projection 258 may comprise, for example, an annular ring, disk, or washer coupled to and/or seated on the male middle shaft 252. In some embodiments, such as in the case that the male middle shaft 252 comprises a steel rod, the radial projection 258 may comprise a steel annular disk or washer welded and/or otherwise coupled to or formed by the male middle shaft 252. According to some embodiments, the radial projection 258 may project radially from an outside diameter of the male middle shaft 252 by a projection amount that may, in some embodiments, be approximately one half of an inch (½″) or twelve and seven tenths millimeters (12.7 mm). According to some embodiments, the radial projection 258 may have a thickness (e.g., axial length) of approximately one quarter of an inch (¼″) or six and thirty-five hundredths millimeters (6.35 mm) to one half of an inch (½″) or twelve and seven tenths millimeters (12.7 mm). As depicted, the radial projection 258 may be disposed on the male middle shaft 252 proximate to the lower-middle male end 256. In some embodiments, the lower-middle male end 256 may extend at least three inches (3″) or seven and sixty-two hundredths centimeters (7.62 cm) beyond (e.g., lower than) the location of the radial projection 258 (e.g., to provide for at least three inches (3″) or seven and sixty-two hundredths centimeters (7.62 cm) of “male” insertion distance, such as to permit an adequately strong coupling).

According to some embodiments, the middle portion 230 may comprise a spacer 260 and/or a plurality of weights 262 a-n. The spacer 260 and the weights 262 a-n may, for example, comprise annular elements that slide onto the male middle shaft 252. The spacer 260 may, in some embodiments, comprise a rubber bumper, cushion, and/or shock-absorber that rests between the weights 262 a-n (or a first weight 262 a) and the radial projection 258. The spacer 260 and the weights 262 a-n may be slid onto the upper-middle male end 254 of the male middle shaft 252, for example, and may be retained (e.g., prevented from sliding off of the lower-middle male end 256) by the radial projection 258. In some embodiments, the weights 262 a-n may comprise cylindrical metal elements having internal bores through which the outside diameter of the male middle shaft 252 may freely pass. According to some embodiments, the weights 262 a-n may be constructed of cast iron and/or may be covered or coated with one or more protective layers such as a rubberized coating, a neoprene sleeve, etc. The weights 262 a-n may comprise dimensions (e.g., a weight diameter that is as large or larger than the diameter of the radial projection 258) such that each weight 262 a-n, in some embodiments, weighs approximately two and one half pounds (2.5 lb) or forty-five hundredths of a kilogram (0.45 kg). In the non-limiting example case of four (4) weights 262 a-d being utilized, as depicted in FIG. 2A, approximately ten pounds (10 lb) or four and fifty-three hundredths kilograms (4.54 kg) of weight/mass may be retained by the male middle shaft 252. In the case that the male middle shaft 252 is constructed of solid stainless steel, the male middle shaft 252 may itself weigh approximately two pounds (2 lb) or ninety-one hundredths kilograms (0.91 kg), the total weight for the male middle shaft 252 (and/or the middle portion 230) may be approximately twelve pounds (12 lb) or five and forty-four hundredths kilograms (5.44 kg). According to some embodiments, additional weights 262 a-n may be utilized until at least approximately three inches (3″) or seven and sixty-two hundredths centimeters (7.62 cm) of the upper-middle male end 254 of the male middle shaft 252 remains extending above/beyond the mounted weights 262 a-n and/or spacer 260 (e.g., to provide for at least three inches (3″) or seven and sixty-two hundredths centimeters (7.62 cm) of “male” insertion distance, such as to permit an adequately strong coupling). According to some embodiments, one or more of the weights 262 a-d may comprise hollow annular cylinders defining internal volumes (not depicted) filled with various desirable weight-bearing substances. The weights 262 a-d may be filled with sand, concrete, rocks, and/or other solid or granular substances, for example, and/or may be filled with water, glycol, and/or other liquids. The weights 262 a-d may, for example, comprise one or more water bottles having a hole or passage that permits the water bottle-weight to be slid onto the male middle shaft 252. According to some embodiments, the weights 262 a-d may comprise a valve, nipple, spout, and/or other feature (not shown) that permits substances disposed within any interior void to be added or removed therefrom, as desired.

In some embodiments, the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 200 may comprise a lower segment 270. The lower segment 270 may comprise, for example a lower shaft 272 that may comprise a solid (or hollow) carbon-fiber, aluminum, or steel rod. In some embodiments, the lower shaft 272 and/or the lower segment 270 may comprise a first or lower “male” end 274 at a top end thereof and/or one or more engaging elements 276 a-b at a bottom end thereof. The engaging elements 276 a-b may comprise, for example, a ground-engaging tip 276 a and/or a protector or foot 276 b. The tip 276 a may comprise a tungsten carbide tip for engaging with ground elements such as dirt, rocks, tree roots, etc. The foot 276 b may, in some embodiments, couple to and/or accept the tip 276 a such as by an interference fit and/or a threaded coupling (not explicitly shown), e.g., for more secure coupling of the tip 276 a and the foot 276 b. The foot 276 b may comprise a plastic, rubber, and/or metal element for engaging with hard surfaces such as floors, sidewalks, roads, etc. According to some embodiments, the foot 276 b may comprise and/or house a steel disk or insert (not shown) to prevent the tip 276 a from puncturing through the softer material of the foot 276 b. In some embodiments, the lower segment 270 may comprise and/or be coupled to a basket 278. The basket 278 may comprise, for example, a plastic or metal radially flared element for enhancing stability and/or reducing penetration distance into soft materials such as sand or snow. In some embodiments, such as in the case that the lower segment 270 comprises a solid stainless steel rod or element, the basket 278 may comprise a feature and/or protrusion integral to the rod (e.g., formed and/or extruded therefrom).

According to some embodiments, the assembly of the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 200 may be as depicted in FIG. 2B. The lower male end 274 of the lower shaft 272 may define and/or comprise an outside diameter that is smaller than an inside diameter of the interior passage 244 of the female middle shaft 242, for example, and may be inserted into and/or nested therein (e.g., by at least three inches (3″) or seven and sixty-two hundredths centimeters (7.62 cm) of “male” insertion distance, such as to permit an adequately strong coupling). The lower male end 274 may be inserted into the lower-middle opening 246 b of the female middle shaft 242, in some embodiments, and selectively secured in place at a desired level of insertion by engagement and/or activation of the lower-middle locking mechanism 248 b. Similarly, the lower-middle male end 256 of the male middle shaft 252 may define and/or comprise an outside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameter of the interior passage 244 of the female middle shaft 242 and may be inserted into and/or nested therein. The lower-middle male end 256 may be inserted into the upper-middle opening 246 a of the female middle shaft 242, for example, and selectively secured in place at a desired level of insertion (e.g., by at least three inches (3″) or seven and sixty-two hundredths centimeters (7.62 cm), such as to permit an adequately strong coupling) by engagement and/or activation of the upper-middle locking mechanism 248 a. According to some embodiments, the lower male end 274 may comprise and/or be coupled to an end protector (not shown) such as a plastic or rubber tip, e.g., to reduce and/or prevent damage from abutment or collision of the lower male end 274 with the lower-middle male end 256 (e.g., within the interior passage 244) in the case that each is inserted into opposing ends 246 a-b of the female middle shaft 242.

In some embodiments, any desired quantity and/or mass or size of weights 262 a-n and/or the spacer 260 may be inserted onto the male middle shaft 252, e.g., from the upper-middle male end 254 thereof. According to some embodiments, the upper-middle male end 254 of the male middle shaft 252 may define and/or comprise an outside diameter that is smaller than an inside diameter of the interior passage 214 of the upper shaft 212 and may be inserted into and/or nested therein. The upper-middle male end 254 may be inserted into the upper opening 216 of the upper shaft 212, in some embodiments, and selectively secured in place at a desired level of insertion (e.g., by at least three inches (3″) or seven and sixty-two hundredths centimeters (7.62 cm), such as to permit an adequately strong coupling) by engagement and/or activation of the upper locking mechanism 218. In such a manner, for example, the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 200 may be outfitted with a variable amount of weight (e.g., the weights 262 a-n) between the handle segment 210 and the lower segment 270, permitting not only enhanced fitness capabilities that are less likely to result in injury (e.g., wrist straining and/or loss of balance) but also providing for quick and easy change-over to different weight levels and/or to a standard trekking pole configuration, as desired.

The trekking pole 200 is described as a “trekking pole” for purposes of illustration and ease of description. While in some embodiments the pole 200 may be constructed and/or utilized for hiking, trekking, walking, and/or “Nordic-style” walking, the pole 200 may also or alternatively be constructed and/or utilized for skiing, exercising, and/or other activities that are or become practicable. While one style of clamp is depicted with respect to the locking mechanisms 218, 248 a-b, different types and/or styles of locking mechanisms 218, 248 a-b may be utilized in some embodiments, as is or becomes known or practicable. According to some embodiments, larger locking mechanisms 218, 248 a-b and/or additional (e.g., paired) locking mechanisms 218, 248 a-b may be utilized, e.g., to maintain retention and/or coupling abilities under additional strain placed on the trekking pole 200 and/or between the segments 210, 230, 270 thereof due to the added weights 262 a-n.

In some embodiments, the female middle shaft 242 and/or the male middle shaft 252 (or portions thereof) may not be included in the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 200. According to some embodiments, the middle portion 230 may alternatively comprise a standard middle section of a trekking pole such as the middle segment 130 of the pole 100 of FIG. 1 and the weights 262 a-n may be disposed on the middle portion 230 and retained by a sleeve or lip (not shown) that provides the functionality of the radial projection 258. The radial projection 258 may, for example, be coupled or formed on a sleeve that coupled to the outer surface of the middle portion 230 to permit the weights 262 a-n to be added to the standard middle segment 130. Such a sleeve with the radial projection 258 may be glued, epoxied, welded, and/or otherwise coupled to the middle portion 230/middle segment 130. In some embodiments, the sleeve may comprise a latch or other coupling mechanism that permits selectively removable coupling of the sleeve to the middle portion 230/middle segment 130. In such a manner, for example, a user would only need to purchase a set of weights 262 a-n and the sleeve/radial projection 258 feature to permit mounting of the weights 262 a-n to a standard middle segment 130 (e.g., purchased with or as part of the pole 100).

In some embodiments, any or all of the components 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 230, 242, 244, 246 a-b, 248 a-b, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262 a-n, 270, 272, 274, 276 a-b, 278 of the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 200 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to any similarly named and/or numbered components described herein. Fewer or more components 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 230, 242, 244, 246 a-b, 248 a-b, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262 a-n, 270, 272, 274, 276 a-b, 278 (and/or portions thereof) and/or various configurations of the components 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 230, 242, 244, 246 a-b, 248 a-b, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262 a-n, 270, 272, 274, 276 a-b, 278 may be included in the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 200 without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, one or more of the various components 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 230, 242, 244, 246 a-b, 248 a-b, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262 a-n, 270, 272, 274, 276 a-b, 278 may not be needed and/or desired in the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 200.

Turning to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, left-front perspective and front assembly views of a multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 300 according to some embodiments are shown. In some embodiments, the trekking pole 300 may comprise a first, upper, or handle segment 310. The handle segment 310 may comprise, for example a first or upper shaft 312 such as a hollow carbon-fiber or aluminum tube. The upper shaft 312 may, for example, define an interior passage 314 extending lengthwise or axially within the upper shaft 312 and/or handle portion 310. According to some embodiments, a first or bottom end of the upper shaft 312 and/or the handle portion 310 may define and/or comprise a first or upper opening 316 (e.g., a first “female” opening) into the interior passage 314. In some embodiments, a first or upper locking mechanism 318 may be coupled to the upper shaft 312 at or adjacent to the upper opening 316. The upper locking mechanism 318 may, for example, be operable to be selectively engaged to compress and/or otherwise secure or fix the bottom end and/or the upper opening 316. According to some embodiments, the upper shaft 312 and/or the handle portion 310 may comprise, at a second or top end thereof, a handle 320 and/or a wrist strap 322. The handle 320 may comprise, for example, a molded, formed, and/or shaped element made of various desirable handle materials such as rubber, wood (e.g., cork), foam, etc. The wrist strap 322 may comprise a strip of rubber, fabric, cloth, and/or a lanyard coupled to the handle 320 and/or forming a loop via which, e.g., a user (not shown) may engage their wrist while holding the handle 320.

According to some embodiments, the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 300 may comprise a middle portion 330. In some embodiments, as depicted, the middle portion 330 may differ from a typical middle portion of a three-segment trekking pole (e.g., the pole 100 of FIG. 1 herein) by comprising a plurality of segments and/or weights. The middle portion 330 may comprise, for example, a first, lower, or “female” middle shaft 342 that defines an interior passage 344 extending lengthwise or axially within the female middle shaft 342. In some embodiments, the female middle shaft 342 may be constructed of aluminum or carbon-fiber and/or may be approximately twenty-two inches (22″) or fifty-five and eighty-eight hundredths centimeters (55.88 cm) in length. According to some embodiments, a first or top end of the female middle shaft 342 may define and/or comprise a first or upper-middle opening 346 a (e.g., a first “female” opening) into the interior passage 344. In some embodiments, a second or bottom end of the female middle shaft 342 may define and/or comprise a second or lower-middle opening 346 b (e.g., a second “female” opening) into the interior passage 344. According to some embodiments, a first or upper-middle locking mechanism 348 a may be coupled to the female middle shaft 342 at or adjacent to the upper-middle opening 346 a and/or a second or lower-middle locking mechanism 348 b may be coupled to the female middle shaft 342 at or adjacent to the lower-middle opening 346 b. The locking mechanisms 348 a-b may, for example, be operable to be selectively engaged to compress and/or otherwise secure or fix the respective ends and/or the openings 346 a-b.

In some embodiments, the middle portion 330 may comprise, a second, upper, or “male” middle-weighted shaft 352. The male middle-weighted shaft 352 may, for example, comprise a solid stainless steel and/or iron rod comprising a first or upper-middle “male” end 354, a second or lower-middle “male” end 356, and/or a weight portion 362. In some embodiments, the middle-weighted shaft 352 and/or the ends 354, 356, may define and/or comprise a first outer diameter and the weight portion 362 may comprise a second outer diameter that is greater than the first outer diameter. As depicted, for example, the weight portion 362 may comprise an outer diameter that is at least twice the outer diameter of the ends 354, 356 of the middle-weighted shaft 352. In such a manner, for example, the weight portion 362 may substantially increase the operational weight of the middle-weighted shaft 352 to provide the mid-weighted fitness benefits described herein. In some embodiments, the weight portion 362 and/or the outer diameter thereof may be sized such that the weight portion 362 and/or the middle-weighted shaft 352 is approximately two and one half pounds (2.5 lb) or forty-five hundredths of a kilogram (0.45 kg), five pounds (5 lb) or ninety hundredths of a kilogram (0.90 kg), or seven and one half pounds (7.5 lb) or three and four tenths kilograms (4.3 kg). According to some embodiments, additional and/or alternate middle-weighted shafts 352 (not separately depicted) may be provided, each being sized (and/or having an appropriately-sized weight portion 362) such that it is approximately (i) ten pounds (10 lb) or four and fifty-three hundredths kilograms (4.54 kg), (ii) twelve and one half pounds (12.5 lb) or five and sixty-six hundredths kilograms (5.66 kg), or (iii) fifteen pounds (15 lb) or six and eight tenths kilograms (6.8 kg).

According to some embodiments, the upper-middle male end 354 and/or the lower-middle male end 356 may be approximately three inches (3″) or seven and sixty-two hundredths centimeters (7.62 cm) in length, e.g., to permit and/or facilitate coupling of the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 300. According to some embodiments, the weight portion 362 may comprise and/or define a hollow or internal void (not depicted) that may, e.g., be filled with various desirable weight-bearing substances. The weight portion 362 (and/or the middle-weighted shaft 352) may be filled with sand, concrete, rocks, and/or other solid or granular substances, for example, and/or may be filled with water, glycol, and/or other liquids. The weight portion 362 and/or the middle-weighted shaft 352 may, for example, comprise a water bottle that comprises a valve, nipple, spout, and/or other feature (not shown) that permits water (and/or other substances) to be disposed within and/or removed from the void, as desired.

In some embodiments, the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 300 may comprise a lower segment 370. The lower segment 370 may comprise, for example a lower shaft 372 that may comprise a solid (or hollow) carbon-fiber, aluminum, or steel rod. In some embodiments, the lower shaft 372 and/or the lower segment 370 may comprise a first or lower “male” end 374 at a top end thereof and/or one or more engaging elements 376 a-b at a bottom end thereof. The engaging elements 376 a-b may comprise, for example, a ground-engaging tip 376 a and/or a protector or foot 376 b. The tip 376 a may comprise a tungsten carbide tip for engaging with ground elements such as dirt, rocks, tree roots, etc. The foot 376 b may, in some embodiments, couple to and/or accept the tip 376 a such as by an interference fit and/or a threaded coupling (not explicitly shown), e.g., for more secure coupling of the tip 376 a and the foot 376 b. The foot 376 b may comprise a plastic, rubber, and/or metal element for engaging with hard surfaces such as floors, sidewalks, roads, etc. According to some embodiments, the foot 376 b may comprise and/or house a steel disk or insert (not shown) to prevent the tip 376 a from puncturing through the softer material of the foot 376 b. In some embodiments, the lower segment 370 may comprise and/or be coupled to a basket 378. The basket 378 may comprise, for example, a plastic or metal radially flared element for enhancing stability and/or reducing penetration distance into soft materials such as sand or snow. In some embodiments, such as in the case that the lower segment 370 comprises a solid stainless steel rod or element, the basket 378 may comprise a feature and/or protrusion integral to the rod (e.g., formed and/or extruded therefrom).

According to some embodiments, the assembly of the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 300 may be as depicted in FIG. 3B. The lower male end 374 of the lower shaft 372 may define and/or comprise an outside diameter that is smaller than an inside diameter of the interior passage 344 of the female middle shaft 342, for example, and may be inserted into and/or nested therein. The lower male end 374 may be inserted into the lower-middle opening 346 b of the female middle shaft 342, in some embodiments, and selectively secured in place at a desired level of insertion by engagement and/or activation of the lower-middle locking mechanism 348 b. Similarly, the lower-middle male end 356 of the male middle-weighted shaft 352 may define and/or comprise an outside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameter of the interior passage 344 of the female middle shaft 342 and may be inserted into and/or nested therein. The lower-middle male end 356 may be inserted into the upper-middle opening 346 a of the female middle shaft 342, for example, and selectively secured in place at a desired level of insertion (e.g., by at least three inches (3″) or seven and sixty-two hundredths centimeters (7.62 cm), such as to permit an adequately strong coupling) by engagement and/or activation of the upper-middle locking mechanism 348 a. According to some embodiments, the lower male end 374 may comprise and/or be coupled to an end protector (not shown) such as a plastic or rubber tip, e.g., to reduce and/or prevent damage from abutment or collision of the lower male end 374 with the lower-middle male end 356 (e.g., within the interior passage 344) in the case that each is inserted into opposing ends 346 a-b of the female middle shaft 342 and/or due to repeated insertions.

In some embodiments, the upper-middle male end 354 of the male middle-weighted shaft 352 may define and/or comprise an outside diameter that is smaller than an inside diameter of the interior passage 314 of the upper shaft 312 and may be inserted into and/or nested therein. The upper-middle male end 354 may be inserted into the upper opening 316 of the upper shaft 312, in some embodiments, and selectively secured in place at a desired level of insertion (e.g., by at least three inches (3″) or seven and sixty-two hundredths centimeters (7.62 cm), such as to permit an adequately strong coupling) by engagement and/or activation of the upper locking mechanism 318. In such a manner, for example, the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 300 may be outfitted with a desired amount of weight (e.g., by selection of the male middle-weighted shaft 352 from a plurality of male middle-weighted shafts 352 constructed at different mass/weight increments) between the handle segment 310 and the lower segment 370, permitting not only enhanced fitness capabilities that are less likely to result in injury (e.g., wrist straining and/or loss of balance) but also providing for quick and easy change-over to different weight levels and/or to a standard trekking pole configuration, as desired.

The trekking pole 300 is described as a “trekking pole” for purposes of illustration and ease of description. While in some embodiments the pole 300 may be constructed and/or utilized for hiking, trekking, walking, and/or “Nordic-style” walking, the pole 300 may also or alternatively be constructed and/or utilized for skiing, exercising, and/or other activities that are or become practicable. While one style of clamp is depicted with respect to the locking mechanisms 318, 348 a-b, different types and/or styles of locking mechanisms 318, 348 a-b may be utilized in some embodiments, as is or becomes known or practicable. According to some embodiments, larger locking mechanisms 318, 348 a-b and/or additional (e.g., paired) locking mechanisms 318, 348 a-b may be utilized, e.g., to maintain retention and/or coupling abilities under additional strain placed on the trekking pole 300 and/or between the segments 310, 330, 370 thereof due to the weight of the male middle-weighted shaft 352.

In some embodiments, any or all of the components 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 330, 342, 344, 346 a-b, 348 a-b, 352, 354, 356, 362, 370, 372, 374, 376 a-b, 378 of the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 300 may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to any similarly named and/or numbered components described herein. Fewer or more components 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 330, 342, 344, 346 a-b, 348 a-b, 352, 354, 356, 362, 370, 372, 374, 376 a-b, 378 (and/or portions thereof) and/or various configurations of the components 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 330, 342, 344, 346 a-b, 348 a-b, 352, 354, 356, 362, 370, 372, 374, 376 a-b, 378 may be included in the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 300 without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, one or more of the various components 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 330, 342, 344, 346 a-b, 348 a-b, 352, 354, 356, 362, 370, 372, 374, 376 a-b, 378 may not be needed and/or desired in the multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole 300.

Some embodiments herein are associated with the term “approximately”. As utilized herein, the term approximately generally refers to either a specifically-recited numerical value or a range of values that fall between plus or minus ten percent (10%) of the recited value. In the case that a particular value is recited without the qualifier of “approximately”, it should be understood that, unless specifically limited, equivalents to such value are also contemplated and generally fall between plus or minus five percent (5%) of the recited value. Although specific quantities, values, and/or measurements are presented herein for purposes of example and ease of explanation, such quantities, values, and/or measurements are not limiting and equivalent, approximate, and/or different quantities, values, and/or measurements may be utilized without deviating from the scope of some embodiments.

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of priority of the present application. Applicant currently intends to file additional applications to pursue patents for subject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed in the present application. 

1. A multi-segment trekking pole, comprising: an upper segment comprising a first end and a second end, the second end comprising a female mating portion; a handle portion coupled to the first end of the upper segment; a bottom segment comprising a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a ground-engaging portion and the second end comprising a male mating portion; a middle segment comprising a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a male mating portion operable to selectively couple to the second end of the upper segment, and the second end comprising a female mating portion operable to selectively couple to the second end of the bottom segment; and at least one of the upper segment, the middle segment, and the bottom segment further comprising a plurality of removable weights comprising at least one annular-shaped container.
 2. The multi-segment trekking pole of claim 1, wherein the middle segment comprises a rod element, and the rod element is disposed through the center of the at least one annular-shaped container and the at least one annular-shaped container is retained on the middle segment by one or more retaining portions.
 3. The multi-segment trekking pole of claim 2, wherein the middle segment further comprises a compressible spacer element disposed between the at least one annular-shaped container and the one or more retaining portions.
 4. The multi-segment trekking pole of claim 1, wherein the at least one annular-shaped container defines a passage that permits at least one of water, glycol, sand, concrete, and rocks to be added to the container.
 5. The multi-segment trekking pole of claim 1, wherein the middle segment comprises a first middle segment and a second middle segment, the first and second middle segments being coupled at a mating joint, wherein the first middle segment comprises the first end of the middle segment and the second middle segment comprises the second end of the middle segment.
 6. A multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole, comprising: an upper hollow tube segment defining an upper interior passage and comprising a first end and a second end, the second end comprising a female mating portion; a handle portion coupled to the first end of the upper hollow tube segment; a lower-middle hollow tube segment defining a middle interior passage and comprising a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a female mating portion and the second end comprising a female mating portion; a lower rod segment comprising a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a ground-engaging portion and the second end comprising a male mating portion, the second end of the lower rod segment being disposed within the middle interior passage and being removably secured to the lower-middle hollow tube segment at the second end thereof; a weighted upper-middle rod segment comprising a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a male mating portion and the second end comprising a male mating portion, the first end of the weighted upper-middle rod segment being disposed within the middle interior passage and being removably secured to the lower-middle hollow tube segment at the first end thereof, and the second end of the weighted upper-middle rod segment being disposed within the upper interior passage and being removably secured to the upper hollow tube segment at the second end thereof; and a removable annular-shaped weight disposed on the weighted upper-middle rod segment between the upper hollow tube segment and the lower-middle hollow tube segment, wherein the removable annular-shaped weight comprises a container.
 7. The multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole of claim 6, wherein the removable annular-shaped container defines a passage that permits at least one of water, glycol, sand, concrete, and rocks to be added to the container.
 8. The multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole of claim 7, wherein the removable annular-shaped container comprises at least one of a valve, a nipple, and a spout.
 9. The multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole of claim 6, wherein the removable annular-shaped container weighs two and one-half pounds.
 10. The multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole of claim 6, wherein the removable annular-shaped container weighs between three and five pounds.
 11. The multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole of claim 6, wherein the removable annular-shaped container comprises a plurality of removable annular-shaped containers that each weighs two and one-half pounds.
 12. The multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole of claim 6, wherein the removable annular-shaped container comprises a plurality of removable annular-shaped containers that each weighs between three and five pounds.
 13. The multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole of claim 6, wherein the weighted upper-middle rod segment weighs two and one-half pounds.
 14. The multi-segment mid-weighted trekking pole of claim 6, wherein the weighted upper-middle rod segment weighs between two and one half and twelve and one half pounds.
 15. The multi-segment trekking pole of claim 1, wherein the at least one annular-shaped container comprises at least one of a valve, a nipple, and a spout. 